Our Linux Lab
Thank you for your sponsorship and technical support.
Charles Williams: donations and technical support
Kerri Murray: donations and technical support
Alex at AMS Advanced Micro Systems: guidance and technical support
Steve Hargadon: providing a model for high quality, low cost technology in the classroom for schools without a budget.
Manuel Garcia: lab preparation and trouble shooting
Jesse Mendez: lab preparation and trouble shooting
Edubuntu.org: providing quality Open Source software to extend humanity towards others and freedom of information and technology throughout the world.
Images of Our Lab
Specifications of our Lab
Here is a list of hardware specifications for this lab to help you get an idea of the requirements needed to create a lab of your own.
Edubuntu Server
Thin Clients
Switch
Software Package
RAM Calculator
HP Proliant ML150, G2 Used, purchased for $900
4 GB ECC RAM (Originally had 2 GB)
2 x 3.0 GHz Xeon Processors (Originally had 1)
2 x Ethernet Cards 10/100/1000 (Originally had 1)
2 x SCSI Hardrives
Raid 1
1 CD ROM, 1 Floppy, no sound card
14 Compaq Deskpro Computers ($0 Donated)
733MHz PIII Processor
256 RAM
CD ROM, Floppy Drive
NIC Card: rt 18139 Needed to create boot floppy eb-5.0.11-smc (1211.lz dsk)
Trendnet TEG-S224: 26 port 10/100/1000 Copper Gigabit Switch ($80)
Linux Edubuntu Server Software. Includes software for network, production, and learning. All software is Open Source Software. ($0)
Since the server is the most important component of this set up, I have created a tool on Excel that will help you determine how much RAM you will need. It is easy to convert any computer into a server.
EdubuntuServerRAMCalculator
Windows? Apple?
Think Different.
Think Linux.
Schools have Options
During this time of budget cuts at our schools, we often find that our goals and projects are placed on hold due to a lack of funding. Why stop forward momentum? Let's find a work-around. Performing jazz on the saxophone has taught me how to improvise, create with my imagination, and expand on what I have learned. Like jazz, Linux provides the tools and freedom to create, improvise and expand on what I have learned within the realm of technology to meet the needs of my classroom. This lesson continues as I explore the world of Linux, the operating system where there is a work-around for almost any challenge. Thousands of people around the world are working on advancing the capabilities of the Linux operating system. Innovations occur exponentially as new ideas make their way into the dream of the ultimate operating system. All this is free to the world and has a life of its own.
Creating your own lab is an empowering experience. Building an Edubuntu lab is an art that allows for flexibility as well as a straight forward plug and play experience. It is not difficult to learn. Using Linux on a new computer is magical. Using Linux on old computers brings new life. I have been able to put a system together with donated computers for just under $1,000. This cost includes thirty-two donated computers, one used server that I purchased, and one gigabit switch. My students can access virtually any site on the internet, play games, create presentations, and produce high quality production work. This lab works well and serves the needs of my students.
My school plans to purchase thirty-two new Apple computers for our school lab for around $50,000 using grant money that has been placed on hold this year. All the schools in my district share the same grant and have similar plans. Our district's progress in technology acquisition has slowed to a crawl. We do not need to wait for grants to finance technology in our schools. We have the means to move forward, improvise and work around road blocks to accomplish our goals. Linux can help us move forward in bringing technology to all our students.
Learn More:
Linux in the classroom: reallylinux.com/docs/linuxclassroom.shtml
Linux in Business:
mtechit.com/linux in business
Edubuntu Handbook: doc.ubuntu.com/edubuntu/edubuntu/handbook
Edubuntu.org:
http://edubuntu.org/
LTSP.org, the original Linux Terminal Server Site: www.ltsp.org/
K12LTSP, an option other than Edubuntu: www.k12ltsp.org/contents.html
We do have options.
Linux is versatile, playing nicely with everyone.
The Linux community shares with everyone.
Linux can be flashy too.